Missouri Catholic Conference supports Dieckhaus voucher bill

The Missouri Catholic Conference is firmly on board supporting HB 1740, sponsored by Rep. Scott Dieckhaus, R-Washington, which would open the door for vouchers, using the euphemism tax credits. As you might expect, the MCC does not see Dieckhaus' legislation in the same way I (and public school proponents) do:

The public school groups have marshaled strong opposition to the bill and have especially complained about the “voucher” provisions. In fact, the bill does not offer any vouchers but only tax credits for those who contribute to foundations that in turn give children scholarships. Other misinformation circulating is that enactment of the scholarship tax credits will drain the state treasury and reduce the pensions available to public school teachers. MCC lobbyists spent most of the week giving legislators facts to refute the misinformation.

It is bad public policy to put public money into private schools. Understandably, private schools see that in a different way. I haven't heard the pension argument made, but it is undeniable that these so-called "tax credits" will eliminate the money that goes to public schools and give it to institutions that are not required to allow the public access (as public schools do) to see just how the taxpayer money is being spent.